SECURITY ELEMENT, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SECURITY ELEMENT

Abstract

A security element with one or more first microstructures, wherein the first microstructures are provided in each case in one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections or in one or more sections of a track which are curved at least in sections, and/or in each case run along one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections or along one or more sections of a track which are curved at least in sections, and a method, wherein at least one file containing image points of one or more image elements is provided, which includes the locational arrangement of the image points, and one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections or one or more sections of one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections are determined from the locational arrangement of the image points, and in the one or more tracks or sections of tracks in each case one or more first microstructures are provided which, when illuminated, provide a first item of optically variable information.

Claims

1. A security element with one or more first microstructures, wherein the first microstructures are provided in each case in one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections or in one or more sections of a track which are curved at least in sections, and/or in each case run along one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections or along one or more sections of a track which are curved at least in sections.

2. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the first microstructures provide a first item of optically variable information.

3. The security element according to claim 2, wherein the first item of optically variable information has one or more image elements, which are composed of several image points, wherein the image points are provided by first microstructures, which are provided in different ones of the tracks, or run along different ones of the tracks.

4. The security element according to claim 1, the first item of optically variable information has one or more image elements, which are composed of several image points, wherein each of the image points is provided by an allocated one of the first microstructures and each of the allocated first microstructures is provided on a respectively allocated track of the one or more tracks, or in each case runs along a respectively allocated track of the one or more tracks.

5. The security element according to claim 1, one or more of the image points moves along the allocated track when the security element is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated, when illuminated with at least one light source.

6. The security element according to claim 5, wherein the movement speeds of the image points along the respective track at a constant angular speed during the tilting and/or rotation of the security element are different from each other and/or have different movement speed curves from each other.

7. (canceled)

8. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the first microstructures provide a sequence of image elements which produce a movement effect, a morphing effect and/or a flip effect as first optical effect when the security element is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated.

9. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the first microstructures provide a sequence of image elements which produce a 3D movement effect, a 3D morphing effect and/or a 3D flip effect as first optical effect when the security element is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated.

10. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the sequence of the image elements is produced by the movement of the image points along the tracks when the security element is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated.

11. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the tracks are in each case formed as a circular arc-shaped and/or circular track.

12. The security element according to claim 11, wherein one or more center points of the circular tracks are arranged randomly or pseudo-randomly.

13. The security element according to claim 12, wherein two or more center points of the one or more center points of the circular tracks have the same position.

14. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the tracks are in each case formed as an elliptical track.

15. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the tracks are in each case formed as a closed and/or open track.

16. (canceled)

17. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the width of one or more of the tracks changes in each case depending on a progression direction of the respective track.

18. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the radius and/or the curvature and/or the radius of curvature of one or more of the tracks changes in each case depending on a progression direction of the respective track.

19. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the width of one or more of the tracks is in each case smaller than the radius or the radii of the respective track and/or is in each case smaller than the or the radii of curvature of the respective track.

20. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the width of the one or more tracks is between 3 μm and 300 μm.

21. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of one or more of the tracks, does not change its sign in each case over the entire progression of the respective track.

22. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the tracks have in each case different curvature progressions from each other.

23. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the curvature progressions of two or more of the tracks, are identical in each case.

24. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of one or more of the tracks, is in each case between 0.02 mm.sup.−1 and 2 mm.sup.−1.

25. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the security element has one or more second microstructures, which provide a second item of optical information.

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first microstructures in each case comprise a plurality of first microstructure elements and one or more of the second microstructures in each case comprise a plurality of second microstructure elements.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first or second microstructure elements of the first or second microstructure in each case have at least one first or second facet face, which forms a micromirror.

37. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first facet faces and/or one or more of the second facet faces in each case have a minimum surface area dimension of between 10 μm.sup.2 and 5000 μm.sup.2.

38. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first facet faces and/or one or more of the second facet faces in each case have an angle of inclination relative to the surface normal of the security element of between 1° and 45°.

39. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first facet faces and/or one or more of the second facet faces in each case have a smooth surface or convex or concavely curved surface.

40. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first and/or second facet faces represent at least one, achromatic, three-dimensional representation of a relief image, wherein the angle of inclination of the first or second facet faces lies between 1° and 45°.

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. (canceled)

44. (canceled)

45. The security element according to claim 1, wherein at least in a partial area of one or more of the tracks the local orientation of one or more of the first microstructure elements of the first microstructure, the local preferred direction and/or the local angle of inclination of one or more of the first facets of the respective first microstructure in each case corresponds to the local curvature of the respective track, which is determined in particular by one of the longitudinal edges of the respective track or by the centroid line of the respective track.

46. The security element according to claim 1, wherein at least in a partial area of one or more of the tracks the local orientation of one or more of the first microstructure elements of the first microstructure, the local preferred direction and/or the local angle of inclination of one or more of the first facets of the respective first microstructure in each case differs from the local curvature of the respective track by not more than 0° to 30°, wherein the local curvature is determined by one of the longitudinal edges of the respective track or by the centroid line of the respective track.

47. The security element according to claim 1, wherein at least in a partial area of one or more of the tracks the local orientation of one or more of the first microstructure elements of the respective first microstructure, the local preferred direction and/or the local angle of inclination of one or more of the first facets of the respective one of the first microstructure in each case differs from the local curvature of the respective track by a predefined angle of deviation of +/−30°, wherein the local curvature is determined by one of the longitudinal edges of the respective track or by the centroid line of the respective track.

48. The security element according to claim 1, wherein at least in a partial area of one or more of the tracks the local orientation of one or more of the first microstructure elements of the respective first microstructure, the local preferred direction and/or the local angle of inclination of one or more of the first facets of the respective first microstructure in each case has an angle relative to the local curvature of the respective track of between −45° and +45°, wherein the local curvature is determined by one of the longitudinal edges of the respective track or by the centroid line of the respective track.

49. The security element according to claim 1, wherein at least in a partial area of one or more of the tracks the longitudinal extent of one or more of the first microstructure elements of the respective first microstructure and/or the preferred direction runs parallel or perpendicular to the respective track relative to the plane spanned perpendicular to the surface normal of the security element.

50. The security element according to claim 45, wherein the partial area comprises in each case at least 50% of the surface area and/or of the length of the respective track.

51. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the tracks and/or one or more of the first microstructures intersect in each case once or multiple times in one or more intersection areas.

52. The security element according to claim 51, wherein in one or more of the intersection areas in each case exclusively the first microstructure or the first microstructures of one of the tracks intersecting in the respective intersection area are provided.

53. The security element according to claim 51, wherein in one or more of the intersection areas in each case the first microstructure or the first microstructures of the intersecting tracks are provided in a one- or two-dimensional grid.

54. The security element according to claim 51, wherein outside one or more of the tracks in the area of one or more of the intersection areas one or more areas of surface are provided, which is provided with one of the first microstructures of the tracks intersecting in the respective intersection area.

55. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the tracks in each case have one or more interruptions, in which the first microstructures are not provided.

56. The security element according to claim 55, wherein one or more of the interruptions are in each case arranged in one or more intersection areas of the respective one or more tracks.

57. The security element according to claim 56, wherein one or more of the interruptions are in each case arranged outside one or more intersection areas of the respective one or more tracks.

58. The security element according to claim 56, wherein one or more of the interruptions are in each case randomly and/or pseudo-randomly distributed parallel and/or perpendicular to one or more tangent vectors of the respective track.

59. The security element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the tracks and/or one or more of the first microstructures in each case have one or more offsets.

60. The security element according to claim 59, wherein the lateral dimensions of one or more of the offsets are in each case smaller than the width of the respective track.

61. The security element according to claim 59, wherein one or more of the offsets are in each case randomly and/or pseudo-randomly distributed.

62. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the second microstructures are provided in an area of surface which does not overlap with the tracks.

63. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the second microstructures are provided in an area of surface which consists of two or more partial areas spaced apart from each other in each case, which are formed striped in each case.

64. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the second microstructures are provided in an area of surface which consists of two or more partial areas spaced apart from each other in each case, which are formed striped in each case and wherein one or more of the partial areas in each case overlap with an allocated interruption area of the one or more tracks at least in areas.

65. (canceled)

66. (canceled)

Description

[0126] In the following the invention is explained by way of example with reference to several embodiment examples utilizing the attached drawings. There are shown in:

[0127] FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1 d, 1e: schematic representations of a security element with several tracks

[0128] FIG. 2a: schematic representation of a security element

[0129] FIGS. 2b, 2c, 2d: schematic relief and grating structures

[0130] FIG. 3: schematic representation of a security element with a plurality of tracks

[0131] FIG. 4 schematic representation of a security element with an intersection area

[0132] FIG. 5 schematic representation of a security element with an intersection area and interruptions

[0133] FIG. 6 schematic representation of a security element with an intersection area and offsets

[0134] FIG. 7 schematic representation of a security element with an intersection area

[0135] FIG. 8 schematic representation of a security element with an intersection area

[0136] FIG. 9a schematic representation of the optical action of a security element

[0137] FIG. 9b schematic representation of the optical action of a security element

[0138] FIG. 10a schematic representation of the optical action of a security element

[0139] FIG. 10b schematic representation of the optical action of a security element when illuminated with two light sources

[0140] FIGS. 11a, 11 b, 11c schematic representation of the optical action of a security element

[0141] FIGS. 12a, 12b schematic representation of the optical action of a security element depending on the distances between the image points

[0142] FIGS. 13a, 13b: schematic representation of a security element with first and second microstructures

[0143] FIG. 14a: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0144] FIG. 14b: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0145] FIG. 14c: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0146] FIG. 14d: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0147] FIG. 14e: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0148] FIG. 15: schematic representation of the optical action of a security element

[0149] FIG. 16a: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0150] FIG. 16b: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0151] FIG. 16c: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0152] FIG. 16d: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0153] FIG. 17a: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0154] FIG. 17b: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0155] FIG. 17c: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0156] FIG. 17d: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0157] FIG. 17e: schematic representation of a security element with several tracks

[0158] FIGS. 1a to 1e illustrate by way of example the structure of a security document 5 with a security element 1.

[0159] FIGS. 1a to 1d show the security element 1 in a top view and FIG. 1e shows it in cross section applied to a document body, or to a security document 5.

[0160] The security document 5 preferably consists of an ID document, for example a passport, a passport card, a visa or an access card. However, it can also be a further security document 5, for example a banknote, a security or a credit card or bank card.

[0161] The security document 5 has a document body 51 and one or more security elements, of which the security element 1 is shown in FIGS. 1a to 1 e.

[0162] Here, the security elements can be applied to the document body 51 of the security document 5, or embedded in the document body 51 of the security document 5, in particular completely or partially embedded.

[0163] The document body 51 of the security document is preferably formed multi-ply and in particular comprises a carrier substrate which is formed by a paper substrate and/or plastic substrate. Further, the document body 51 can comprise another one or more protective layers, one or more decorative layers and/or one or more security features. Further, the document body 51 can have still further layers, for example one or more detachment layers, bonding layers, anti-adhesive layers, barrier layers and/or adhesive layers. Here, the document body 51 preferably also comprises an electronic circuit, in particular an RFID chip, in which items of information are stored.

[0164] The document body 51 can have a window area, wherein the window area can be formed as a through-hole in the document body 51 and/or as a transparent area of the document body 51. The security element 1 can be arranged overlapping with the window area and can thus be visible from both sides of the security document 5.

[0165] The security element 1 is formed in particular by the transfer ply of a transfer film, by a laminating film and/or by a film element, in particular in the form of a security patch or in the form of a security strip or in the form of a security thread. The security element 1 can here cover a surface of the security document 5 over the whole surface and/or only partially, for example can be formed in strip or patch form, as shown with respect to the security element 1 in FIG. 1e.

[0166] Here, the security element 1 preferably has a protective layer 54, a decorative layer 52 and an adhesive or adhesion-promoting layer 53. Thus, for example, the security element 1 is formed in the form of the transfer ply of a transfer film, which comprises a protective layer 54, a decorative layer 52 and an adhesive layer 53 and is applied to the front side of the document body 51, as shown in FIG. 1e.

[0167] The decorative layers 52 of the security element 1 forms one or more security features, which are preferably also optically visible for the human observer.

[0168] Thus, the decorative layers 52 have for example one or more of the following layers:

[0169] The decorative layer 52 has one or more layers, which in each case have one or more first and/or second microstructures.

[0170] Here, the one or more first or second microstructures can be converted into a volume hologram in the respective layer by holographic exposure. However, they can also be formed as a relief structure, which is molded into a surface of the respective layer. These layers are thus preferably a layer of a photopolymer, in which areas with different refractive indices are provided for the generation of a volume hologram, or a varnish layer or plastic film, into which the surface relief of the microstructure is molded by a replication method.

[0171] The microstructures are preferably diffractive structures, such as for example rectangular diffraction gratings, sinusoidal diffraction gratings or also zero-order diffraction structures. The microstructures can also be isotropic and/or anisotropic matte structures, triangular blazed gratings and/or structures with substantially reflective action, such as microlenses, microprisms or micromirrors.

[0172] The one or more first microstructures are preferably provided in one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections, of which several tracks 2a to 2e are shown in the figures FIG. 1a to FIG. 1d. Further, it is also possible for one or more of the first microstructures to be provided in one or more sections of a track which are curved at least in sections, for example sections of the tracks shown in FIGS. 1a to 1 d. Further, it is possible for one or more of the first microstructures to run in each case along one or more tracks which are curved at least in sections or to run along one or more sections of a track which are curved at least in sections.

[0173] The decorative layer 52 preferably has one or more metallic layers, which are preferably provided in the security element in each case not over the whole surface, but only partially. Here, the metallic layers can be formed opaque, translucent or transmissive. Here, the metallic layers are preferably formed of different metals, which have a clearly different reflection and/or transmission spectrum. For example, the metal layers are formed of aluminum, copper, chromium, gold, silver or an alloy of these metals.

[0174] Here, the one or more metal layers are preferably structured patterned, preferably formed in the form of alphanumeric characters and/or as graphics and/or as complex representations of objects.

[0175] The decorative layer 52 can further comprise one or more color layers, preferably transparent or translucent color layers. These color layers are preferably color layers which are applied by means of a printing method, and which have one or more dyes and/or pigments which are incorporated in a binder matrix.

[0176] The decorative layer 52 further preferably has one or more interference layers, which reflect or refract the incident light in a wavelength-selective manner. These layers can be formed for example of thin-film elements which generate a color shift effect dependent on the angle of view, based on an arrangement of layers which have an optical depth in the region of a half or a quarter wavelength of the incident light. These layers typically comprise a dielectric spacer layer, in particular arranged between a semi-transparent absorber layer and a semi-transparent or opaque mirror or reflective layer or can preferably be formed of a layer comprising thin-film pigments.

[0177] The decorative layer 52 can further preferably have one or more liquid crystal layers, which generate for one thing a polarization of the incident light and for another a wavelength-selective reflection and/or transmission of the incident light depending on the alignment of the liquid crystals.

[0178] FIG. 1a shows a detail of the security element 1 comprising the curved tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e offset relative to each other, wherein the tracks have the radii R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, R.sub.d, R.sub.e. The center points 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e of the tracks are arranged in the geometric centers of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e and are respectively spaced apart from all points on the circular tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e with the radii R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, R.sub.d, R.sub.e, with the result that the curvature of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e is respectively in each case 1/R.sub.a, 1/R.sub.b, 1/R.sub.c, 1/R.sub.d, 1/R.sub.e. The plane in which the tracks lie, or have a spatial extent, is spanned by a two-dimensional coordinate system which is described by the base vectors x and y, wherein the vectors x and y are preferably perpendicular to each other, as shown in FIG. 1a.

[0179] However, in particular, coordinate systems with more than two dimensions and/or coordinate systems on at least one curved track can also be chosen.

[0180] FIGS. 1a to 1 d show the case where all tracks have the same radius. Further preferably, the radii of the tracks 2a to 2e can also differ from each other. Further, at least one of the tracks 2a to 2e can have a variable curvature progression, preferably when the track is not formed circular but is formed for example elliptical and/or spiral and/or in a circular arc. The tracks 2a to 2e can further preferably be continuous and/or differentiable and/or integrable curves, wherein the tracks 2a to 2e can be not strictly one-dimensional curves, but preferably also two-dimensional curves, such as for example a partial area of a surface of a sphere.

[0181] The tracks 2a to 2e can particularly preferably also be formed as closed tracks and/or from at least one partial area of a closed track. In particular, at least 50%, preferably 70%, particularly preferably 90% of all tracks can in particular in each case form at least one fifth, preferably at least one quarter, particularly preferably at least one third, in particular preferably at least half of a closed track. Further, in particular at least 50%, preferably 70%, particularly preferably 90% of all tracks can in particular in each case form at least a quarter-circle, preferably at least a third of a circle, particularly preferably a semi-circle.

[0182] The tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e in FIGS. 1a to 1d are designed as two-dimensional circular curved curves and represented as dotted lines in the embodiment example shown there. The sign of the curvature of the curved tracks does not change and is constant in particular in the case of circle tracks or circular tracks. Further preferably, the curvature of a track lies between 0.02 mm.sup.−1 and 2 mm.sup.−1, preferably between 0.01 mm.sup.−1 and 1 mm.sup.−1. In particular preferably, at least one track, in particular at least one circular track, can have the same curvature everywhere. Particularly preferably, the curvature progression of all tracks 2a to 2e, in particular all circle tracks or circular tracks, can be identical, as shown in FIG. 1a to FIG. 1d. In particular preferably, the curvature progression of the tracks 2a to 2e can be different from each other.

[0183] The first microstructures, which are provided in the tracks 2a to 2e, provide a first item of optically variable information. This first item of optically variable information is a movement effect in the embodiment example according to FIGS. 1a to 1 d. Here the first item of optically variable information has one or more image elements, which is composed in each case of several image points.

[0184] The first microstructures, which are provided in the tracks 2a to 2e, generate an image element 3 which is formed in particular of an arrangement of image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e in the embodiment example according to FIGS. 1a to 1 d. Preferably, the security element 1 provides an observer with one or more image elements 3, wherein at least one image element 3 can be formed for example as a motif.

[0185] The image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e are in each case generated by the first microstructures of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. The image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e move along the respectively allocated track when the security element 1 is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated, when illuminated with at least one light source, preferably with a point light source.

[0186] The image points 3a to 3e of the image element 3 can have a punctiform, in particular circular disk-shaped form, as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1 d. However, it is also possible for them to have another shape, for example an elliptical shape.

[0187] The image element 3 in FIG. 1a is detectable or visible for an observer if the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e are irradiated by a light source, wherein the tracks are designed in such a way that only one image point per track is visible for the observer. The image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e visible in such a way provide the image element 3 through the arrangement on the tracks and the constant distances from each other.

[0188] In particular, the image element 3 can move, when observed by an observer, along the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, if the security element 1, which comprises the tracks, is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated and/or inclined relative to the observer and/or the radiation source. Particularly preferably, the image element 3 moves along the tracks in each case in one of the two directions of movement possible per track, in particular degrees of freedom of movement, depending on the direction of the tilt and/or bend and/or rotation and/or inclination of the security element 1 relative to the observer.

[0189] Further preferably, the image element 3 moves as an arrangement of the five image points 3a to 3e shown in FIG. 1a along the five tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, with the result that the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a of the image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e relative to each other is preserved and/or the orientation with respect to the coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1a to 1 d, spanned by the vectors x and y, does not change when the security element 1 is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated.

[0190] By rotation of the security element 1 is meant here the rotation of the security element 1 about the surface normal of the security element 1, which is at right angles to the plane spanned by the vectors x and y. By tilting of the security element 1 is meant a tilting of the security element 1 about an axis which lies in the plane spanned by the vectors x and y.

[0191] Advantageously, the image element 3 can change, preferably continuously change, in particular the alignment of the image element 3 relative to an axis along and/or parallel to the vectors x and/or y of the coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1a to 1 d during a rotation and/or bending and/or tilting of the security element 1, with the result that a continuous or discontinuous movement effect is provided for the observer. Further preferably, the image element 3 can keep the alignment of the image element 3 with respect to an axis parallel to and/or along the vectors x and/or y of the coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1a to 1 d constant during a rotation and/or bending and/or tilting of the security element 1.

[0192] In FIGS. 1a to 1 d the alignment of the image element 3 relative to the coordinate system characterized by the vectors x and y is constant over the course of the movement, in particular at each of the positions 30, 31, 32, 33.

[0193] FIGS. 1a to 1 d show, in any desired sequence, a movement effect of the image element 3 comprising the five image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, wherein the center point 30 of the image element 3 at the position of the image point 3c in FIG. 1a moves to the position 31 in FIG. 1b, onwards to the position 32 in FIG. 1c and finally to the position 33 in FIG. 1d. The direction of the movement of the image element 3 can preferably be chosen as desired, in order to provide different movement effects.

[0194] FIG. 2a shows a detail of the security element 1 comprising a segment 20 of a curved track 2 with a width B and the radius R. The curved track 2 can be in particular one of the tracks 2a to 2e according to FIGS. 1a to 1 e.

[0195] Further, FIG. 2a shows an image point 3a, wherein the image point 3a is preferably located on the track and can preferably move along the track, with the result that a movement effect, in particular a continuous movement effect, is generated for an observer. Furthermore, a cut A.fwdarw.A′ is shown in FIG. 2a, which runs in particular radially relative to the center point of a closed, preferably circular and/or elliptical track, wherein the cut runs through the track in the radial direction. Further, a two-dimensional coordinate system is shown in FIG. 2a by two vectors x and y arranged perpendicular to each other, which spans the plane in which the track 2 lies, or is embedded.

[0196] Preferably, the track 2 can have a width B of between 2 μm and 300 μm, in particular between 5 μm and 150 μm, further preferably between 10 μm and 100 μm.

[0197] The surface area of the track is dependent on the arc length of the track and the width of the track. The width of the track can be constant or can change along the track. Preferably, the width of the track does not change with the progression of the track, in particular the progression of an azimuthal angle α with respect to the coordinate system with the base vectors x and y.

[0198] An inner contour 20a corresponds to an inner edge of the track 2 and/or of a partial area of a track preferably with an inner radius R.sub.i. The outer contour 20b of the track 2 and/or of the partial area of a track corresponds to an outer edge of the track, which preferably has an outer radius R.sub.a. The inner contour is arranged on the side of the track which points in the direction of the center point M of a circle, which is determined by the radius of curvature vector, while the outer contour 20b of the track is arranged on the side 20a of the track pointing away from a from the radius of curvature vector.

[0199] Further, in an extension of the radius vector R a perpendicular line S is drawn in, which is perpendicular to a tangent vector T which adapts to the outer edge of the track. The direction of the tangent vector T is aligned perpendicular to the radius vector R in the present embodiment example.

[0200] Preferably, the radius of curvature vector, in particular a local radius of curvature vector, can relate to any desired point and/or location within the surface area spanned by a track 2, wherein the amount and the angle of the radius of curvature vector can be dependent on the position on the surface area spanned by a track 2 and/or of the azimuthal angle α.

[0201] The radius of curvature vector can relate in particular also to an inner contour or edge 20a or outer contour or edge 20b of at least one track 2, wherein the amount and the angle of the radius of curvature vector can be dependent on the position on the inner and/or outer contour of a track 2 and/or of the azimuthal angle α.

[0202] The curvature of an inner contour at a particular azimuthal angle α of the track 2 and/or of the partial area of a track is preferably always greater than the curvature of an outer contour at this azimuthal angle α. The distance between a particular location and/or a particular point at a particular azimuthal angle α on an outer contour and the same location and/or the same point at the particular azimuthal angle α on an inner contour preferably corresponds to the width of the track 2, in particular the width of the track 2 dependent on the location and/or the point at the particular azimuthal angle α.

[0203] In a further preferred embodiment example the surface area of the track 2 and/or of a partial area of the track can be covered with at least one first microstructure 10. In particular, the first microstructure 10 can also follow the inner and/or the outer contour of the track 2 and/or of a partial area of the track.

[0204] FIGS. 2b, 2c and 2d each show one embodiment example for at least one first microstructure 10, which can be provided for example on the track 2 shown in FIG. 2a and/or the partial area of a track shown in FIG. 2a.

[0205] In particular, FIGS. 2b, 2c and 2d show a cut of the first microstructures along the cut line A.fwdarw.A′ shown in FIG. 2a.

[0206] FIG. 2b shows a grating 10a with a sinusoidal profile as a design of the first microstructure 10. The grating 10a has a plurality of successive structure elements, which are preferably spaced apart from each other periodically. The individual structure elements here preferably have a longitudinal extent much greater than the transverse extent. Thus, they preferably have a linear shaping and in particular are formed as grating lines, which have a sinusoidal cross section. The progression of these grating lines here defines the orientation of the longitudinal direction of the microstructure elements of the grating 10a. Alternatively, the grating lines can also have a rectangular cross section, and thus a rectangular profile, instead of the sinusoidal one.

[0207] FIG. 2c shows a design of the first microstructures 10 as a blazed grating 10d. The first microstructure can in particular also be formed as a sawtooth-shaped grating and/or triangular grating.

[0208] The blazed grating 10d likewise preferably consists of a sequence of microstructure elements which have in each case a triangular cross section. Here, the inclination of the two sides of the microstructure elements relative to the plane spanned by the vectors x and y preferably differs, with the result that the microstructure elements have an asymmetrical profile. The microstructure elements here further likewise have a greater, in particular much greater, longitudinal extent than transverse extent, with the result that the microstructure elements likewise form linear microstructure elements, with a triangular cross section here. The progression of the longitudinal extent of the microstructure elements here defines the longitudinal direction of the microstructure elements.

[0209] Preferably, the first microstructures 10, in particular of FIGS. 2b and 2c, have a period or grating period ∧ of between 0.2 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 0.3 μm and 20 μm, further preferably between 2 μm and 20 μm and particularly preferably between 3 μm and 10 μm, and/or a grating depth of between 50 nm and 15,000 nm, advantageously between 50 nm and 5000 nm, preferably between 100 nm and 3000 nm.

[0210] FIG. 2d shows a first microstructure 10, which is formed as an anisotropically matte scattering structure and/or anisotropic matte structure 10e. Such matte structures are characterized in that they display an asymmetrical scattering behavior and thus generate an optically variable effect. The anisotropic matte structures 10e here have a greater scattering capacity and/or a greater scattering angle for the incident light when observed along a preferred direction in comparison with a direction transverse and/or perpendicular to the preferred direction. The average distance between the microstructure elements of the matte structure 10e preferably lies in a range between 0.5 μm and 10 μm, particularly preferably between 0.8 μm and 5 μm.

[0211] Particularly preferably, at least three, preferably at least five grating periods of the first microstructures 10 and/or at least three, preferably at least five average distances between the first microstructures 10 are arranged in the at least one track 2, in particular over the width of the track 2, and/or the at least one partial area of the track, in particular the width of the partial area of the track 2.

[0212] Particularly preferably, the at least one first microstructure 10 can further also consist of an arrangement of a plurality of micromirrors, which are inclined relative to the plane spanned by the vectors x and y according to respective angles of inclination.

[0213] Further preferably, one or more of the first microstructure elements of the first microstructure 10 in each case have at least one first or second facet face, which forms in particular a micromirror. In a further embodiment example the first microstructure 10 can be formed as a lens structure, grating 10a, matte structure 10e or blazed grating 10d and have a combination with one or more micromirrors. Preferably, the grating 10a here has a sinusoidal, rectangular, sawtooth-shaped and/or triangular profile.

[0214] FIG. 3 shows a security element 1 comprising a plurality of curved, unclosed tracks 2 and/or partial areas of tracks, wherein tracks and/or partial areas intersect and/or overlie one another in intersection areas 11.

[0215] FIG. 4 shows a detail of a security element 1 comprising three curved tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, wherein the tracks 2b and 2c in particular intersect in an intersection area 11. Further, FIG. 4 shows first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c arranged along the respective tracks 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0216] Preferably, the alignment of the first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c and/or at least one structure parameter of the first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c, in particular the spacing of the microstructure elements, the relief depth, the orientation of the longitudinal direction of the microstructure elements, the preferred direction, the average distance between the microstructure elements and/or the angle of inclination of the micromirrors, changes continuously and/or constantly along the respective track.

[0217] FIG. 4 shows by way of example the continuous change in the alignment of the longitudinal extent or the orientation of the longitudinal direction of the microstructure elements of the grating structures 100a, 100b, 100c along the corresponding tracks 2a, 2b, 2c. Thus, the longitudinal extent of the grating structures 100a, 100b, 100c at every location on the respective tracks 2a, 2b, 2c is aligned parallel to the tangential direction of the corresponding location on the respective tracks 2a, 2b, 2c. The grating structures in this detail of the security element 1 have a width transverse to the tracks of preferably seven grating periods.

[0218] Preferably, the alignment and/or the longitudinal extent of the one or more first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c of the one or more tracks 2a, 2b, 2c can follow a contour, in particular the inner contour, preferably the outer contour, of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c. Further preferably, the alignment of the first microstructures at most points on the one or more tracks, preferably along the entire track in each case, can have the same angle relative to a radius of curvature vector of the one or more tracks. In particular, the alignment and/or longitudinal extent of the one or more first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c can be aligned predominantly perpendicular, in particular perpendicular, to the radius of curvature vector.

[0219] Particularly preferably, the alignment, in particular the preferred direction, of the first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c at most points, preferably at least at 50% of the points, particularly preferably at 70% of the points, in particular preferably at 85% of the points, ideally for all points on the tracks 2a, 2b and/or 2c, in particular in the case of one or more elliptical and/or circular tracks, can be aligned identically to a perpendicular line on the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, in particular perpendicular to one or more tangent vectors of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0220] Preferably, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4, the tracks 2a, 2b and 2c can intersect in an intersection area 11. The intersection area 11 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds geometrically to the surface area in which the curved tracks 2b and 2c overlie and/or intersect each other, wherein in the embodiment example of FIG. 4 only the first microstructure 100c of the track 2c and not the first microstructure 100b of the track 2b is present in the intersection area 11 of the tracks 2b and 2c.

[0221] FIG. 5 shows a security element 1 comprising three curved tracks 2a, 2b and 2c with first microstructures 100a, 100b and 100c, wherein the track 2b and the track 2c in particular intersect in an intersection area 124. Further, the track 2b has interruptions 122 and 124. The first microstructure 100b is not provided in the interruption 122 and there is an interruption of the microstructure 100b in the intersection area 124. Further, the track 2c has interruptions 121 and 123, in which the first microstructures 100c of the track 2c are not provided.

[0222] Furthermore, in particular one of the interruptions 121, 122, 123 and 124 can in each case correspond geometrically to the surface area in which the respective tracks 2a, 2b and/or 2c have no first microstructures 100a, 100b and 100c. The interruptions 121, 122, 123 and/or 124 of the respective tracks 2a, 2b and 2c can be randomly and pseudo-randomly distributed. Preferably, the interruptions 121 to 124 can be randomly and/or pseudo-randomly distributed parallel and/or perpendicular to a corresponding tangent vector.

[0223] The embodiment example shown in FIG. 5 has a number of interruptions 121, 122, 123, which are arranged outside the intersection area 124 of the track 2b and the track 2c.

[0224] Particularly preferably, the interruptions 121, 122 and/or 123 arranged outside the intersection areas 124 in each case make up between 0.1% and 30%, preferably between 1% and 10% of the surface area and/or of the length of the tracks 2a, 2b and/or 2c. In addition to the optical effect of the microstructures, such interruptions produce a scattering effect, which as a whole leads to a more achromatic impression.

[0225] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment example of the security element 1 which has three curved tracks 2a, 2b and 2c with first microstructures 100a, 100b and 100c, wherein the track 2c has two offsets 131, 132. The offset 131 runs parallel to the cut edges 131a, 131b, and the partial area 21a of the track is shifted downwards by the length of the offset 131 with respect to the observation direction of FIG. 6. Further, the offset 132 runs parallel to the cut edges 132a, 132b, and the partial area 22a of the track is shifted to the left by the length of the offset 132 with respect to the observation direction of FIG. 6. The shift directions of the offsets 131, 132 are in particular arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0226] The surface area of a partial area 21a, 22a shifted by the offsets 131, 132 is dependent on the width and/or the progression of the width over the progression of the partial areas 21a or 22a and/or the arc length of the partial areas 21a or 22a. The partial areas 21a or 22a here have the width and/or the progression of the width of the original, uncut track 2c, from which the partial areas 21a or 22a were taken or from which the partial areas 21a or 22a were shifted.

[0227] The offsets 131, 132 of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c and/or of the first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c can be randomly and/or pseudo-distributed, in particular arranged, and/or randomly and/or pseudo-randomly distributed and/or arranged parallel and/or perpendicular to a corresponding tangent vector.

[0228] Further preferably, one or more offsets 131, 132 can make up less than one or more widths of the tracks 2a, 2b and 2c and/or of the first microstructures 100a, 100b and 100c. Preferably, the offsets are shifted between 1 μm and 100 μm, in particular between 3 μm and 50 μm. Similarly to the interruptions from FIG. 5, the offsets also produce an additional scattering effect, which as a whole leads to a more achromatic impression of the security element.

[0229] FIG. 7 shows a security element 1 comprising three curved tracks 2a, 2b, 2c with first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c, wherein the tracks 2b, 2c have a mosaic surface 14. The mosaic surface 14 is divided into a plurality of partial mosaic surfaces 141, 142, 143, 144, which contain first microstructures 100b, 100c of the tracks 2b, 2c, wherein the first microstructure of at least one partial mosaic surface differs from the remaining first microstructures in the partial mosaic surfaces.

[0230] In particular, there is a mosaic-type arrangement, in particular a gridding, of the first microstructures 100b, 100c in the mosaic surface 14 of the tracks 2b, 2c and/or of the first microstructures 100b, 100c of the tracks 2b, 2c. This has the effect that the interruption of the two tracks has a more inconspicuous action for the observer.

[0231] FIG. 8 shows a security element 1 comprising three curved tracks 2a, 2b, 2c with first microstructures 100a, 100b, 100c, wherein the tracks 2b, 2c in an intersection area 11 have a mosaic surface 14, which is divided into a plurality of partial mosaic surfaces 141, 142, 143, 144 containing first microstructures 100b, 100c. Further, FIG. 8 shows, in the areas of surface 15, in particular in the proximity of the mosaic surface 14, an arrangement of partial mosaic surfaces 141a, 142a, 143a, 144a, wherein these partial mosaic surfaces 141a, 142a, 143a, 144a have first microstructures 100b, 100c.

[0232] Preferably, at least one first microstructure 100b or 100c of a partial mosaic surface 141, 142, 143, 144, 141a, 142a, 143a, 144a can differ from the first microstructures of the remaining partial mosaic surfaces.

[0233] In particular, the areas of surface 15 and thus further also preferably the partial mosaic surfaces 141a, 142a, 143a, 144a are arranged less than 150 μm, preferably less than 50 μm, away from the mosaic surface 14. These partial mosaic surfaces have the effect that the continuous movement effects of the tracks 2b and 2c appear as uninterrupted for the naked human eye.

[0234] FIG. 9a shows a security element 1 comprising an image element 3, wherein the image element 3 is composed of the numbers “4” and “2”, and the number “4” is arranged above the number “2” from the observation direction of FIG. 9a.

[0235] FIG. 9b shows a security element 1 comprising an image element 3′, wherein the image element 3′ is composed of a number 4 rotated by 180 degrees and a number 2 rotated by 180 degrees, and the number “2” rotated by 180 degrees is arranged above the number “4” rotated by 180 degrees from the observation direction of FIG. 9b.

[0236] The tracks and/or the first microstructures and/or the transitions of the tracks in the embodiment example of FIGS. 9a and 9b, along which the image element 3 transforms into the image element 3′ through a movement effect, are arranged in such a way that the tracks and/or first microstructures enables a transformation, in particular a morphing, preferably a flip, from the image element 3 to the image element 3′. The changeover detectable by an observer or the transformation of the image element 3 shown in FIG. 9a to the image element 3′ shown in FIG. 9b is provided by a tilting and/or bending and/or rotation of the security element 1 relative to a light source and/or an observer.

[0237] FIG. 10a schematically shows a security element 1 comprising an image element 3, wherein the image element 3 is designed as the number “5”. Three exemplary image points 3a, 3b, 3c of the image element 3 can move on the curved tracks 2a, 2b, 2c or track sections in both directions of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c to the positions 30, 31, 32 when the security element 1 is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated. Preferably, an observer detects a continuous movement effect when the security element 1 is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated, wherein the image element 3 can move in particular continuously between the positions 30, 31, 32 in a particular direction R1 along the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c and can provide a movement contrary to the particular direction R1, thus in the direction R2, when the tilting direction and/or bending direction and/or the rotation direction is changed, and vice versa.

[0238] FIG. 10b shows an inverted picture of the optical action of a security element 1 under illumination comprising two image elements 3, 3′ designed as the number “5”, wherein each image element is provided by one light source in each case. Along the circle tracks or circular tracks, shown by sequences of individual image points, which connect the image elements 3, 3′, preferably blazed structures, in particular linear blazed gratings, are arranged, wherein in this example the grating period of the blazed gratings is 6 μm and the grating depth of the blazed gratings is 2 μm. In this embodiment example the longitudinal extent of the linear blazed gratings at every location on the tracks is arranged perpendicular to the radius vectors at the corresponding locations on the tracks.

[0239] The optical action when the security element shown in FIG. 10b is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated consists of the movement of the image elements 3 and 3′ formed as the number “5”, wherein an observer can obtain a three-dimensional impression through the virtual movement of the image elements underneath or above the security element.

[0240] FIGS. 11a, 11 b and 11c schematically show a security element 1 comprising four image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, which together form a pyramidal image element 3. The four punctiform elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are in each case located on one of the curved tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and form the four corner points of a pyramid made up of four triangular faces, wherein the image points provide a movement effect when the security element 1 is tilted and/or bent and/or rotated, with the result that the image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d can move forwards and/or backwards on their corresponding tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d depending on the tilting direction and/or bending direction and/or rotation direction.

[0241] The curved tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d shown in FIGS. 11a, 11 b and 11c have different radii of curvature from each other, wherein the track 2a has a smaller curvature than the tracks 2b, 2c, 2d.

[0242] Further, FIGS. 11a, 11 b and 11c show the four image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in each case in different positions 30, 31, 32 in the course of a movement on the corresponding tracks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, wherein the image point 3a, due to the smaller curvature of the track 2a compared with the curvatures of the tracks 2b, 2c, 2d between FIGS. 11a, 11 b and 11c, covers a longer stretch of the track 2a than the image points 3b, 3c, 3d, with the result that a three-dimensional movement effect of the pyramid detectable for an observer is provided.

[0243] Such a three-dimensional effect or 3D effect, represented in FIGS. 11a, 11 b and 11c, is produced by the formation of the image element 3 as a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional pyramid, wherein the positions of the three image points 3b, 3c, 3d of the pyramid change only slightly during a movement because of the corresponding strong curvatures of the tracks 2b, 2c, 2d, while the image point 3a at the tip of the pyramid covers a long stretch over the slightly curved track 2a. The pyramid is thus deformed in the course of a movement effect from the point of view of an observer in such a way that the observer's brain interprets this deformation of the pyramid as the deformation of a three-dimensional object in three-dimensional space.

[0244] The movement effect of the image points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d can be provided by a tilting and/or bending and/or a rotation of the security element 1 relative to at least one light source and/or relative to the observer.

[0245] FIGS. 12a and 12b show the inverted optical action of a security element 1 shown in FIG. 11a comprising two image elements 3, 3′ composed of a plurality of image points 3a, 3b arranged on tracks, wherein the image elements have the same pyramidal shape as each other. The image points 3a of the image elements 3 are spaced apart from each other in such a way that their distances from each other can be resolved by a human eye, with the result that the individual image points of the pyramidal image element 3 in FIG. 12a can be perceived. The image points 3b of the image element 3′ on the other hand have such a high density that the distances of the individual points from each other can no longer be resolved with a human eye, with the result that the pyramidal image element 3′ can be perceived as a slightly blurred or continuous pyramidal arrangement.

[0246] The radii of the circle tracks or circular tracks of the tracks shown in FIGS. 11a, 11 b, 11c, 12a, 12b lie between 10 mm for the image point 3a in the tip of the pyramid and 1 mm for the image point 3c in the base of the pyramid.

[0247] FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b show by way of example a security element 1, in which a second item of optical information is further generated by one or more second microstructures.

[0248] FIG. 13a shows a security element 1, in which in particular the arrangement of tracks 2a, 2b and 2c shown in FIG. 4 with the first microstructure elements 100a, 100b and 100c is provided next to an area of surface with a second microstructure 20. The first microstructure elements 100a, 100b and/or 100c here do not overlap with the second microstructure elements 200a of the microstructures 20.

[0249] FIG. 13b shows an arrangement of first and second microstructures, in which one or more of the tracks generating the first optical variable effect, here the tracks 2a, 2b, intersect the area of surface of the second microstructure 20.

[0250] Preferably, in the case according to FIG. 13b the area of surface of the second microstructure 20 and of the tracks 2a, 2b can also be gridded in each other. For this, the microstructure 20 and the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c are broken down in each case into a plurality of strip-shaped partial areas in at least one particular direction. These strip-shaped partial areas are in each case arranged relative to each other in such a way that a strip-shaped partial area comprising the microstructure 20 or a part of the microstructure 20 is adjacent to both intersection sides with in each case a strip-shaped partial area comprising one or more of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c or parts of the tracks 2a, 2b, 2c and vice versa, with the result that the strip-shaped partial areas comprising the microstructures and the strip-shaped partial areas comprising the tracks alternate with one another spatially in a direction perpendicular to the intersection direction. The strip width here is preferably less than 300 μm.

[0251] The second microstructures 20 preferably generate an item of optically variable information.

[0252] The second microstructures 20 preferably in each case comprise a plurality of second microstructure elements 200a, 200b, wherein the second microstructure elements 200a, 200b are preferably characterized by the parameters spacing of the second microstructure elements, relief depth, relief shape and orientation of the longitudinal direction of the second microstructure elements.

[0253] The second microstructure elements 200a and/or 200b here are preferably formed as linear structure elements in particular with a triangular profile, which are arranged as illustrated in FIG. 13b and provide a three-dimensionally appearing relief image, in particular a three-dimensionally achromatically appearing relief image, as second optical effect.

[0254] Further, the second microstructures 20 can also have a plurality of second facet faces, which provide a relief image depending on the progression and/or angle of inclination progression of the facet faces when light is reflected and/or diffracted.

[0255] The second microstructures can, however, in each case also be formed as a grating, in particular a sinusoidal and/or triangular grating, an anisotropically scattering structure, a matte structure, a blazed grating and/or a surface relief hologram. The first and/or second microstructures can also be combined with a metallic and/or HRI reflective layer and/or a layer bringing about a color shift effect, as already stated above. The first and second microstructures can also be converted into a volume hologram by means of holographic exposure.

[0256] FIGS. 14a to 14e show the structure of a security document with a security element 1. FIGS. 14a to 14d show a security element 1 in a top view and FIG. 14e shows photographs of a pattern of a security element 1 at different observation angles.

[0257] The same image element consisting of five points or image points 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j as the image element in FIG. 1a is shown in FIG. 14a. Unlike in FIG. 1a, however, the centers or center points 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j of the circle tracks or circular tracks 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j are randomly or pseudo-randomly arranged. The arrangement of the centers or center points 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j also does not show the image element consisting of the five points or the five image points 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, in particular arranged according to the positions of the five points or the five image points 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j. The microstructures in the tracks 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j are preferably chosen and arranged in such a way that at a predetermined illumination and/or observation angle the desired image element, in particular comprising the image points 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, appears to an observer. At all other illumination and/or observation angles the image points 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j on the tracks 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j diverge and the image element, in particular comprising the image points 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, is no longer detectable. FIGS. 14b to 14d schematically show the divergence of the five image points in this example 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j.

[0258] Optionally, only sections of tracks are present, wherein these sections preferably end where the image element is to be seen or is detectable at the predetermined illumination and/or observation angle. This makes it easier in particular to find the correct or appropriate angle configuration. Likewise, there is optionally the possibility of allocating randomly or pseudo-randomly different radii to the circle tracks or circular tracks.

[0259] FIG. 14e (a) to (d) shows photographs of an exemplary design of a security element 1 which is constructed of circle tracks or circular tracks with pseudo-randomly arranged centers or center points of the circle tracks or circular tracks, wherein two circle tracks or circular tracks of the circle tracks or circular tracks are respectively provided with the reference numbers 2i and 2j. In the central observation position, in particular shown in FIG. 14e (a), the image element 3.sup.II constructed of image points is to be seen in the form of the letter “K”. When the security element 1 is tilted to the right the image points diverge, the defined allocation is lost and the image element 3.sup.II is no longer detectable, as shown in FIGS. 14e (b) to 14e (d). In particular, the image element 3.sup.II detectable as the letter “K” turns into a diffuse image element 3.sup.III in the case of tilting to the right.

[0260] FIG. 15 shows two pictures of the optical action of a security element 1 comprising two image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V image elements designed as the number “5” and the letter “K” under an illumination. The two image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V are preferably already provided by a single light source. Here, circle tracks or circular tracks are preferably calculated for the two image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V and then laid one on top of the other. Preferably, calculation software approximately equally allocates a number of intersection points of the circle tracks or circular tracks to the two image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V. It is hereby achieved that both image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V in particular appear approximately similarly bright. The microstructures are preferably asymmetrical, in particular blaze-type structures, such as e.g. blazed gratings or micromirrors. These microstructures are now arranged and aligned in the circle tracks or circular tracks of the two image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V in such a way that the two image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V preferably do not light up at the same position of the circle tracks or circular tracks. Preferably, they appear precisely opposite on the circle tracks or circular tracks. The microstructures are for example arranged in such a way that the two image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V in particular move in the same direction in the circle. The optical action when the security element shown in FIG. 15 is tilted and/or rotated consists of the positions of the image elements “5” and “K” preferably swapping on the circle track or circular track. In particular also in this example, the grating period of the blazed gratings is 6 μm and the grating depth of the blazed gratings is 2 μm. If, instead of blazed gratings, symmetrical gratings, such as e.g. sinusoidal gratings, were used, then both image elements would appear in particular simultaneously and thus in particular overlaid at the two positions. By checking the exchange of places or position change of the two image elements in the case of tilting and/or rotation, a simple, indirect proof of the presence of blaze-type microstructures is preferably possible.

[0261] As described previously, FIG. 15 (a) shows the security element 1 comprising the image elements 3.sup.IV and 3.sup.V, wherein the image element 3.sup.IV is designed as the number “5” and is detectable as such for an observer, and the image element 3.sup.V is designed as the letter “K” and is detectable as such for an observer. FIG. 15 (b) shows the security element 1 comprising the image elements 3.sup.VI and 3.sup.VII after a tilting of the security element 1 shown in FIG. 15 (a) to the right, wherein the image element 3.sup.VI is designed as the number “K” and is detectable as such for an observer, and the image element 3.sup.VII is designed as the letter “K” and is detectable as such for an observer. Preferably, the image element 3.sup.IV (number “5”) at its position when the security element 1 is tilted to the right is replaced by the image element 3.sup.VI (letter “K”) and the image element 3.sup.V (letter “K”) at its position when the security element 1 is tilted to the right is replaced by the image element 3.sup.VII (number “5”).

[0262] FIGS. 16a to 16d show the structure of a security document comprising a security element 1. Here, the centers or center points 4k, in particular of at least 75%, preferably of at least 90%, in particular preferably of all, circle tracks or circular tracks 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o, 2p are identical, or almost identical. By almost identical is meant in particular that the centers or center points 4k, in particular of most, preferably of all, circle tracks or circular tracks 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o, 2p have a maximum distance from each other, in particular of not more than 10% of the radius Rk, preferably not more than 5% of the radius Rk, of the largest circle track or circular track 2k, and/or that the centers or center points, in particular of most, preferably of all, circle tracks or circular tracks 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o, 2p have a maximum distance from each other of not more than 3 mm, further preferably not more than 1 mm, in particular preferably not more than 0.5 mm. The radius Rk, Rl, Rm, Rn, Ro or Rp of the respective circle track or circular track 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o or 2p results in particular from the respective position of the allocated image point 3k, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p of the image element 3.sup.VIII. The microstructures in the tracks 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o, 2p are preferably chosen and arranged in such a way that the image element 3.sup.VIII appears in a desired illumination and observation situation. When the security element 1 is tilted or rotated, the image element 3.sup.VIII preferably rotates with it about the center or the center point 4k of the circle tracks or circular tracks 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o, 2p along the tracks 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o, 2p. For example, the image element can represent a bird which flies in a circle in the case of tilting or rotation. It is likewise possible to lay circle tracks or circular tracks one on top of the other for a second image element in such a way that the microstructures are arranged and aligned in particular in such a way that the two image elements preferably do not light up at the same position. For example, the first image element can represent a dove and the second image element can represent an eagle. In the case of tilting or rotation, the eagle would preferably virtually fly behind the dove.

[0263] A security element 1 designed in such a way with identical or almost identical centers or center points of all circle tracks or circular tracks has in particular the advantage that fewer circle tracks or circular tracks overlap and the image elements preferably hereby appear brighter.

[0264] FIGS. 17a to 17e show the structure of a security document comprising a security element 1. Here, the centers or center points 4q of at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably of all, circle tracks or circular tracks 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u or circle track sections or sections of circular tracks 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u are identical or almost identical. By almost identical is preferably meant that the centers or center points 4q, in particular of most, preferably of all, circle tracks or circular tracks 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u or circle track sections or circular track sections 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u have a maximum distance from each other of not more than 10% of the radius Rq, preferably not more than 5% of the radius Rq, of the largest circle track or circular track 2q or of the largest circle track section 2q, and/or that the centers or center points 4q, in particular of most, preferably of all, circle tracks or circular tracks 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u or of all circle track sections or sections of circular tracks 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u have a maximum distance from each other of not more than 3 mm, further preferably not more than 1 mm, particularly preferably not more than 0.5 mm. The radius 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t or 2u of the respective circle track or circular track 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t or 2u or of the respective circle track section or circular track section 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t or 2u results in particular from the respective position of the allocated image point 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t or 2u of the image element 3.sup.IX. The microstructures in the circle tracks or circular tracks 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t or 2u or circle track sections or circular track sections 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t or 2u are preferably chosen and arranged in such a way that an image element 3.sup.IX appears in a desired illumination and observation situation. When the security element 1 is tilted and/or rotated, the image element 3.sup.IX preferably changes due to disappearing and/or re-appearing and/or continuously present image points 3q, 3r, 3s, 3t, 3u in such a way that an animation is to be detected by an observer. For example, the image element can represent a bird which flies in a circle in the case of tilting or rotation, and in the process appears to flap its wings.

[0265] FIGS. 17b to 17e show an animation of pips 3q, 3r, 3s, 3t, 3u, wherein the animation of five pips 3q, 3r, 3s, 3t, 3u “counts down” to two pips 3q, 3u, i.e. the number of pips decreases, in particular in the sequence of FIGS. 17b to 17e, in each case by one pip.

[0266] It is likewise possible to lay circle tracks or circular tracks one on top of the other for a second image element, wherein the microstructures are arranged and aligned in particular in such a way that the two image elements do not light up at the same position. For example, the first image element can represent the animation of a flying bird and the second image element can represent an unchanging image element, e.g. a denomination sign. The combination of an animation and a static image element is easy to communicate and thereby increases the protection against forgery.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0267] 1 security element [0268] 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e track [0269] 20a inner contour of a track [0270] 20b outer contour of a track [0271] 21a, 22a partial areas of a track [0272] 3, 3′ image elements [0273] 3a, 3b, 3b, 3d, 3e image points [0274] 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, 300f connecting lines [0275] 30, 31, 32, 33 positions [0276] 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e center points of tracks [0277] 5 security document [0278] 51 document body [0279] 52 decorative layer [0280] 53 adhesive layer [0281] 54 protective layer [0282] R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, R.sub.d, R.sub.e radii [0283] B width [0284] ∧ grating period [0285] R1, R2 directions [0286] M center point [0287] α azimuthal angle [0288] 10 first microstructures [0289] 20 second microstructures [0290] 100 first microstructure elements [0291] 10a sinusoidal grating [0292] 10d blazed grating [0293] 10e anisotropic matte structures [0294] 100a, 100b, 100c first microstructures [0295] 11, 12 intersection area [0296] 121, 122, 123 interruption [0297] 13, 131, 132 offset [0298] 14 mosaic surface [0299] 141, 142, 143, 144 partial mosaic surfaces [0300] 141a, 142a, 143a, 144a partial mosaic surfaces [0301] 15 free areas of surface [0302] 200a, 200b second microstructures [0303] 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j tracks [0304] 3.sup.II, 3.sup.III, 3.sup.IV, 3.sup.V, 3.sup.VI image elements [0305] 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j image points [0306] 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j center points [0307] Rf, Rg, Rh, Ri, Rj radii [0308] 2k, 2l, 2m, 2n, 2o, 2p tracks [0309] 3.sup.VIII image element [0310] 3k, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p image points [0311] 4k center point [0312] Rk, Rl, Rm, Rn, Ro, Rp radii [0313] 2q, 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u tracks [0314] 3.sup.IX, 3.sup.X, 3.sup.XI, 3.sup.XII image element [0315] 3q, 3r, 3s, 3t, 3u image points [0316] 4q center point